Little feet, big hearts
British sisters set to raise funds to assist Hurricane Melissa victims
Published:Wednesday | November 5, 2025 | 12:21 AMKeisha Hill/ Senior Gleaner Writer
Following the devastation caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, Naomi and Emily Townsend, two sisters from South Croydon in the United Kingdom, have set themselves a challenging goal: walking 22 kilometres – more than 13 miles – to raise £3,000 (J$628,000) to support those affected by severe storm damage.
The sisters, who are of Jamaican parentage, were inspired to relaunch ‘Project 22’ after the hurricane left widespread destruction across the island, damaging roofs, hospitals, libraries, police stations, port facilities, and other urban infrastructure.
Project 22 is a charity fundraiser previously used to support homeless individuals in Croydon and, last year, to raise thousands of pounds for hurricane relief following Hurricane Beryl.
Naomi Townsend, now nine, has been fundraising since she was six. Her hurricane relief run last year earned her recognition from Jamaica’s High Commissioner to London.
Her parents, Lee and Deborah Frith Townsend, said Naomi has always had a compassionate heart.
“When she was six, her school, Regina Coeli Catholic Primary in South Croydon, challenged pupils to raise £22.22 by February 22, 2022, through a sponsored activity. Instead of choosing something easy, Naomi decided to use her pocket money to buy ingredients and cook hot meals for people experiencing homelessness. She then asked her community to sponsor her so that she could feed 22 people in need,” Lee said.
Project 22
What began as a small idea, he said, quickly grew into a meaningful community effort. “With help from family, friends and neighbours, Naomi raised over £2,200 and served dozens of hot meals to people who needed them most. She later set up a GoFundMe page to keep the project going, and that is how Project 22 was born. The name came from that memorable date, 22.2.22, and her goal to help 22 people – a story she still loves to tell with a proud smile,” Lee said.
That experience, he added, taught Naomi how much good can come from one small act of kindness. When she saw the extent of Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Jamaica, she immediately wanted to help again. “If I can make life a little better for families who’ve lost so much, then every step will be worth it,” Naomi said.
This year, Naomi will be joined by her six-year-old sister, Emily. Together, they aim to raise £3,000, with £2,200 going directly to the Manchester Chapter of the Jamaica Red Cross to support on-the-ground relief efforts.
The remaining funds will be used to purchase food and essential items in London, which the girls will pack into at least two barrels and ship to Manchester parish.
“Emily, who is six, may not enjoy walking long distances, but she has a big heart. She decided to join Naomi because she didn’t want her big sister to take on the challenge alone. She wants to help other children and show that even the youngest among us can make a big difference,” her father said.
“I may be six, but I’m stepping up,” Emily said, with her usual mix of sassiness and determination.
Proud parents
Naomi and Emily hope to complete their 22-kilometre walk by Friday, November 22, 2025, in keeping with the Project 22 theme. The fundraiser will remain open through to December to allow time for final donations and for the barrels to be shipped to Jamaica in early January 2026.
“We could not be prouder. As parents, it is humbling to watch Naomi and Emily grow into thoughtful, compassionate children who see the world beyond themselves. Their willingness to give back, not just with words, but through real action, fills us with hope,” Deborah said.
The girls’ connection to Jamaica runs deep. They’ve grown up surrounded by the island’s food, music and spirit, and understand the importance of helping their wider community.
Both attend Regina Coeli Catholic Primary School and St Peter’s Church in South Croydon, where they’ve learned the values of faith, kindness and service – principles that shine through in everything they do.
Their weekly sessions at the 12th Purley Brownies have also helped shape their sense of duty. The Brownies often explore the work of organisations like the Red Cross and highlight the importance of volunteering and helping others.
“We are so proud of Naomi and Emily’s thoughtfulness and their actions towards others. We explored the ‘Take Action’ theme, which looks at how we can help others, and the Townsend sisters have run with that. They are both real-world representatives of the values we explore at Brownies,” said Hannah Keresey, Brownie Leader of the 12th Purley Brownies.
Support the Townsend sisters’ GoFundMe and encourage them on this journey to make a difference: